JPH1195937A - Printer system, print control method, and computer-readable memory - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a printer system to output a user friendly print, by performing control to execute preset operation when printing is performed according to an accepted printing instruction and a new cumulative number of prints exceeds an upper limit number of prints. SOLUTION: A maximum print number(MAXP) and an accumulated print number (AP) predetermined to an ID are checked, in the case of MAXP>=AP, it is judged the upper limit of use determined to that ID is already reached (step 5) and processing based on an inputted print instruction (step 1) is stopped. In the case of MAXP<AP, it is investigated whether the sum of the accumulated print number (AP) and a print number (RP) to be printed based on the print instruction exceeds the maximum print number (MAXP) or not (step 6). Thus, printing is prevented from being stopped on no condition while ignoring the intention of a user.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer system, a print control method, and a computer-readable memory, and more particularly, to a printer system, a print control method, and a computer-readable memory for performing printing by a print command from a computer connected to a network. It is.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a printer or copier is used in an office or the like, operation control is performed by limiting the number of printouts for each department.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, when the number of prints reaches the limit during printing, the print output is interrupted unconditionally, so that print output cannot be performed thereafter. However, there is a problem that the usability is not easy for the user, for example, the document output is not completed.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional example, and provides a printer system capable of performing more user-friendly print output by performing appropriate processing even when an output limit is reached during printing of a series of documents. It is an object to provide a print control method and a computer readable memory.

[0005]

A printer system according to the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration.

That is, in a printer system in which a host and a printer are connected to each other via a network, a maximum number of prints permitted to be printed by the printer is set for each user in a predetermined searchable storage medium. (1) the setting means and the operation when the new cumulative print number obtained by printing according to the print command from the host exceeds the upper limit print number, and the operation when the new cumulative print number does not exceed a predetermined allowable value. Second setting means for selecting and setting in advance whether to perform the first operation for continuing printing or the second operation for interrupting the printing, and receiving a print command from the host Means, when printing is performed in accordance with the print command received by the receiving means, the new cumulative number of prints is When exceeding the number includes a printer system characterized by having a print control means for controlling so as to perform an operation set by said second setting means.

Further, the third operation in which the second setting means changes the print mode to a print mode in which the consumption of the recording medium is reduced and performs printing may be one option. Here, the print mode includes a mode in which an image to be printed on one page of the recording medium is reduced and a plurality of images are printed on one page of the recording medium.

Further, it is preferable that a verification means is provided for verifying whether a function required when printing according to the print command is a function that can be provided by the printer.

Here, according to the verification result, the print mode may be automatically changed, for example, a change from a double-sided printing instruction to a single-sided printing instruction for the recording medium may be performed. The printing may be controlled to be interrupted.

[0010] The searchable storage medium includes a database accessible from a host.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control method in a printer system in which a host and a printer are connected to each other via a network. A first setting step of setting an upper limit of the number of prints which permits printing, and an operation when a new cumulative number of prints obtained by printing according to a print command from the host exceeds the upper limit of the number of prints. If printing does not exceed a predetermined tolerance, the first printing is continued.
A second setting step of previously selecting and setting whether to perform the above operation or the second operation to interrupt the printing, a receiving step of receiving a print command from the host, and a receiving step When the printing is performed in accordance with the print command received in the above, if the new cumulative number of prints exceeds the upper limit of the number of prints, print control for controlling to perform the operation set in the second setting step And a print control method.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer readable memory for storing a print control program to be executed in a printer system in which a host and a printer are connected to each other via a network. A code for executing a first setting process for setting a maximum number of prints for which printing by the printer is permitted for each user, and a new cumulative number of prints obtained by printing according to a print command from the host. Is the first operation to continue the printing if the new cumulative number of prints does not exceed a predetermined allowable value, or the second operation to interrupt the printing The second to select and set in advance
A code for executing a setting process, a code for executing a reception process for receiving a print command from the host, and when printing is performed in accordance with the print command received in the reception process, the new accumulated print number is And a code for executing a process for controlling to perform an operation set in the second setting process when the upper limit of the number of prints is exceeded.

According to the present invention, according to the present invention, a maximum number of prints permitted to be printed by a printer is set for each user in a searchable storage medium, and a new cumulative number obtained by printing according to a print command from a host is set. The operation when the number of prints exceeds the upper limit number of prints is the first operation for continuing printing if the new cumulative number of prints does not exceed the predetermined allowable value, or the second operation for interrupting the printing. Operation is selected and set in advance, and when printing according to a print command from the host is performed and the new cumulative number of prints exceeds the upper limit number of prints, a preset value is set. Control is performed to perform the above operation.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printer system as a typical embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printer system includes an image processing apparatus 1000 and a personal computer (PC) 1 connected to each other via a network 100.
1. It comprises a workstation (WS) 12.
In FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 1
000, personal computer (PC) 11, and workstation (WS) 12 are connected one by one, but a plurality of them may be connected to the printer system.

The image processing apparatus 1000 includes a reader unit 1 for reading a document image, a printer 2 for recording an image on a recording medium such as recording paper, and input / output of image data via a telephone line or a network 100. And an image input / output control unit 3 for inputting image data from the reader unit 1 and outputting image data to the printer unit 3. Further, the reader unit 1 can directly transfer input image data to the printer unit 3,
Input image data directly from the reader unit 1 or
Image data is input from the image input / output control unit 3.

When a plurality of image processing apparatuses 1000 are connected to the system, the functions and capabilities of the printer unit 3 and the reader unit 2 need not be the same, but may be different from each other.

As shown in FIG. 1, the facsimile unit 4, file unit 5, magneto-optical disk drive unit 6, computer interface unit 7, LIPS formatter unit 8, postscript (P)
S) It comprises a formatter section 9 and a core section 10. Hereinafter, these components will be described.

The facsimile unit 4 decompresses the compressed image data received via the telephone line, transfers the decompressed image data to the core unit 10, compresses the image data transferred from the core unit 10, and The compressed image data is transmitted to a communication partner via a telephone line.

The file section 5 is connected to a large-capacity magneto-optical disk drive unit 6. File part 5
Compresses image data transferred from the core unit 10 and stores the compressed image data along with a keyword for searching for the image data on the magneto-optical disk set in the magneto-optical disk drive unit 6 or transferred via the core unit 10. The compressed image data stored in the magneto-optical disk is searched based on the keyword, the searched compressed image data is read and expanded, and the expanded image data is stored in the core unit 1.
Transfer to 0.

The computer interface unit 7 includes a personal computer (PC) 11 and a workstation (WS) 12 connected via a network 100.
Interface. The personal computer (PC) 11 and the workstation (WS) 12 serve as a network server in the printer system, and can be a center of network control or a device for storing image data to be output to the printer unit 2.
The LISP formatter unit 8 is described in the LISP language, and the PS formatter unit 9 is a postscript (Post S).
cript), personal computer (PC)
It interprets the PDL data transferred from the PC 11 or the workstation (WS) 12, converts the data into image data recordable by the printer unit 2, and develops it into a bitmap.

The core unit 10 includes a reader unit 1, a facsimile unit 4, a file unit 5, a computer interface unit 7, a LISP formatter unit 8, and a PS formatter unit 9.
To control the flow of data between each. The configuration and operation of the core unit 10 will be described later in detail.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2. The printer unit 2 forms an image according to an electrophotographic method, and prints an image on a recording medium.

Document feeder (ADF) 10 of reader unit 1
Reference numeral 1 designates the loaded image originals in order from the last page (the bottom).
The original is fed one by one onto the platen glass 102, and after the original reading operation is completed, the original on the platen glass 102 is discharged. When the original is conveyed onto the platen glass 102, the lamp 103 is turned on and the scanner unit 1 is turned on.
04 is started, and the original is exposed and scanned. The reflected light from the original at this time is reflected by mirrors 105, 106, 107,
The light is guided to a CCD image sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a CCD) 109 by a lens 108. In this manner, the scanned image of the document is read by the CCD 109. The image data output from the CCD 109 is subjected to predetermined signal processing and then transferred to the printer unit 2 or the core unit 10 of the image input / output control unit 3.

A laser driver 221 provided in the printer unit 2 drives a laser light emitting unit 201 such as a semiconductor laser, and emits a laser beam in accordance with image data output from the reader unit 1. This laser beam is applied to the photosensitive drum 202
, An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the laser beam is formed on the photosensitive drum 202. A developer is attached to the latent image portion of the photosensitive drum 202 by a developing device 203.

On the other hand, at a timing synchronized with the start of laser beam irradiation, a recording medium such as a recording sheet is fed from either the cassette 204 or the cassette 205, and the transfer unit 206
To transfer the developer adhered to the photosensitive drum 202 to recording paper. The recording paper to which the developer has been transferred is fixed to the fixing unit 20.
7, the developer is fixed on the recording paper by the heat and pressure of the fixing unit 207. The recording paper that has passed through the fixing unit 207 is discharged to the outside of the printer unit 2 by a discharge roller 208. Then, the sorter 220 stores the discharged recording paper in each bin and sorts the recording paper. In addition,
The sorter 220 stacks and stores recording paper in the uppermost bin when no sorting instruction is given.

When a double-sided recording instruction is given, the recording paper having one side of the recording paper is conveyed to the discharge roller 208, and then the rotation direction of the discharge roller 208 is reversed. In step 209, the sheet is guided to the re-feeding conveyance path 210. If an instruction for multiplex recording has been given, the recording paper is guided to the re-feeding conveyance path 210 by the flapper 209 so as not to be conveyed to the discharge roller 208. The recording paper guided to the re-feeding conveyance path 210 is fed back to the transfer unit 206 at the above-described timing.

The printer section 2 is not limited to the above-described electrophotographic system, but may perform printing according to another system, for example, an ink jet system.

FIG. 3 shows an ink jet printer IJRA.
It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the outline of a structure. In FIG.
The carriage HC that engages with the spiral groove 5004 of the lead screw 5005 that rotates via the driving force transmission gears 5009 to 5011 in conjunction with the forward and reverse rotation of the drive motor 5013 has a pin (not shown), 5003
And reciprocate in the directions of arrows a and b. On the carriage HC, an integrated type ink jet cartridge IJC containing a recording head IJH and an ink tank IT is mounted. Reference numeral 5002 denotes a paper holding plate, which applies a platen 5000 to the recording paper P in the moving direction of the carriage HC.
Press against Reference numerals 5007 and 5008 denote photocouplers, which are home position detectors for confirming the presence of the carriage lever 5006 in this region and switching the rotation direction of the motor 5013. Reference numeral 5016 denotes a cap member 5022 for capping the front surface of the recording head IJH.
Reference numeral 5015 denotes a suction device that suctions the inside of the cap, and performs suction recovery of the recording head through the opening 5023 in the cap. Reference numeral 5017 denotes a cleaning blade. Reference numeral 5019 denotes a member which allows the blade to move in the front-rear direction. These members are supported by a main body support plate 5018. It goes without saying that the blade is not limited to this form and a known cleaning blade can be applied to this example.
Reference numeral 5021 denotes a lever for starting suction for recovery of suction. The lever 5021 moves with the movement of the cam 5020 that engages with the carriage, and the driving force from the driving motor is controlled by a known transmission mechanism such as clutch switching. Is done.

The capping, cleaning, and suction recovery are configured so that desired processing can be performed at the corresponding position by the action of the lead screw 5005 when the carriage comes to the area on the home position side. If a desired operation is performed at the timing, any of the embodiments can be applied.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the reader unit 1. As shown in FIG.

The analog image data output from the CCD 109 is subjected to A / D conversion by the A / D / SH unit 110 to be converted into digital image data, and is subjected to shading correction. The image data processed by the A / D / SH unit 110 is transferred to the printer unit 2 via the image processing unit 111, and the interface unit (I /
F) The image data is transferred to the core unit 10 of the image input / output control unit 3 via 113.

The CPU 114 controls the image processing unit 111 and the interface unit (I / F) 113 according to the contents of the instruction from the operation unit 115. For example, the operation unit 1
When an instruction to execute a copy mode for performing trimming processing and copying is issued from 15, the image processing unit 111 performs trimming processing and transfers the resulting image data to the printer unit 2. When an instruction to execute the facsimile transmission mode is issued from the operation unit 115, the interface unit (I / F) 113 transfers image data and a control command corresponding to the designated mode to the core unit 10. Such processing is performed by the CPU 114 reading a control program stored in the memory 116 and further using a part of the memory 116 as a work area for executing the program.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the core unit 10. As shown in FIG.

The image data transferred from the reader unit 1 is received by the interface unit (I / F) 122 and then transferred to the data processing unit 121, and the control command transferred from the reader unit 1 is transferred to the CPU 123. Is done.
The data processing unit 121 performs image processing such as image rotation processing and scaling processing.
1 is transferred to an interface unit (I / F) in accordance with a control command transferred from the reader unit 1.
The data is transferred to the facsimile unit 4, the file unit 5, or the computer interface unit 7 via 120.

The code data representing the image input via the computer interface unit 7 is received by the interface unit (I / F) 120 and then transferred to the data processing unit 121, where the code data is transferred to the LIPS.
Or PD written in PostScript
It is determined whether the data is L data. Then, based on the determination result, the PDL data is transferred again to the LISP formatter unit 8 or the PS formatter unit 9 via the interface unit (I / F) 120. Further, the LISP formatter unit 8 or the PS formatter unit 9 interprets the PDL data based on the respective description languages and develops the data into image data. Further, the developed image data is transferred to the facsimile unit 4 and the printer unit 2 after being transferred to the data processing unit 121 again.

The decompressed image data received from the facsimile unit 4 via the interface unit (I / F) 120 is transferred to the data processing unit 121, and then, is transferred to the interface unit (I / F) 120 again. Are transferred to the printer unit 2, the file unit 5, and the computer interface unit 7. The image data from the file unit 5 is transferred to the data processing unit 121 and then to the printer unit 2, facsimile unit 4, and computer interface unit 7.

The above-described transfer control is executed by the CPU 123 in accordance with the control program stored in the memory 124 and the control command transferred from the reader unit 1.
The memory 124 is also used as a work area of the CPU 123.

The computer interface unit 7 has an MI
B (Management Information Base: Management Info
A database called an “ratio Base” is constructed, and communicates with a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation on a network via the SNMP protocol, and the printer can be managed. The operation unit 115 or the network 100
From a personal computer or workstation connected to, for example, set the upper limit of the number of prints that can be printed for each predetermined ID, set the optimal number of prints to be printed by one print command and other various settings, Each time a print operation occurs, the number of prints is cumulatively totaled for each ID, and each time a new print operation occurs, the number of prints is compared with the total number of prints according to the setting to manage the printer. It can be performed.

As described above, in the printer system of this embodiment, the reading of the original image
It is possible to perform processing combining functions of printing an image, transmitting and receiving an image, storing an image, and inputting and outputting data from a computer.

Next, a print control process executed in the printer system having the above configuration will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

First, in step S1, the operator of the printer system (hereinafter, referred to as the system) operates the personal computer (PC) 11 or the workstation (WS) 12.
, A print command for printing a document or the like is input. Next, in step S2, a software called a print driver is activated in response to the input of the command, and in step S3, a print control program that not only creates PDL data but also performs the following operations is activated.

In step S4, the print driver sets the PD
While creating the L data, the print control program searches the MIB provided in the computer network unit 7 of the image input / output control unit 3 via the network 100, and collects information of the image processing apparatus 1000.

In step S5, the number of prints counted for each ID assigned to each operator or each personal computer (PC) or workstation is checked. Specifically, based on the information obtained from the MIB in step S4 using the ID as a search key,
, The cumulative number of prints (A
P) and the number of prints (R) obtained from the information and the data created by the print driver.
P), whether or not double-sided printing is performed, whether or not sorting is performed, and whether or not stable processing is performed is collated.

Here, the maximum number of prints (MAXP) and the cumulative number of prints (A
P), and if MAXP ≧ AP, it is determined that the upper limit of use determined for the ID has already been reached, and processing based on the print command input in step S1 is interrupted. In S13, a message indicating that printing is not possible is displayed on the screen (not shown) of the display of the personal computer (PC) or workstation (WS) used by the operator, and the process ends.

On the other hand, if MAXP <AP,
The process proceeds to step S6. In step S6, it is determined whether or not the sum of the cumulative number of prints (AP) and the number of prints (RP) printed based on the print command in step S1 exceeds the maximum number of prints (MAXP), that is, the number of prints for which the print command has been issued. To see if the limit set in the middle is reached. Here, when AP + RP> MAXP, since the upper limit determined during printing is reached,
The process proceeds to step S7, and when AP + RP ≦ MAXP, it is determined that printing can be performed as instructed, and the process proceeds to step S8.

In step S7, one of the following operations preset by the system administrator or a general operator (user) is performed. (1) The print command input in step S1 is further compared with an upper limit allowable value (SMAXP), and it is determined whether to perform a print operation according to the comparison result or to suspend execution of the print command. . For example, MAXP + SMAXP
If> AP + RP, print and MAX + SMAP
If ≦ AP + RP, it is determined that the execution of the print command is interrupted. The upper limit allowable value (SMAXP) is a value indicating how much the maximum number of prints (MAXP) should be allowed to exceed when the print command is being executed. (2) Interrupt the execution of the print command. In this case, the process proceeds to step S13. (3) The printing operation is performed by forcibly changing the printing mode.

For example, normally, an image is printed only on one side of a recording sheet of a designated size. In this case, the printing mode is a 2 in 1 mode (a mode in which an image for 2 pages is printed on one recording sheet). ) Or 4in1 mode (mode for printing four pages of image on one sheet of recording paper), or changing the printing mode to double-sided printing to reduce the number of recording sheets used for printing.
Change the print mode. Here, if necessary, the print driver re-creates the PDL data in a new mode. The changed print mode is set in the system in advance by a system administrator or a general operator (user).

After the above processing is executed, the processing proceeds to step S8.

In step S8, the function and capability of the printer unit are checked whether a printing operation in accordance with the print command input in step S1 can be executed. For example, when double-sided printing is specified by the print command, it is checked whether or not the printer unit has the function.

Here, if it is confirmed that the printer unit has the function, the process proceeds to step S10. On the other hand, if the check reveals that the printer unit does not have the function, the operation of the printing process is performed so as to perform one of the following operations preset by the system administrator or a general operator (user). To change. (1) Interruption of printing operation; (2) Change of printing mode (for example, change to single-sided printing mode). Then, when the interruption of the printing operation is determined, the process proceeds to step S13. If the print mode change is determined, the process proceeds to step S9, and a message indicating the change is displayed on a display screen (not shown) of a personal computer (PC) or a workstation (WS) used by the operator. , And then proceeds to step S10.

Further, at step S8, 1 of the printer section
Processing capacity per minute (PPM) and number of prints (RP)
To determine if printing is completed within the appropriate time. For example, if the print capacity of the printer unit is 5 PPM and there are 100 print requests,
It takes about 20 minutes to complete the process, which is not an appropriate printing time. In the system according to this embodiment, the system administrator sets the upper limit (OPTMAX) of the optimal number of prints for one print command in consideration of the processing capability of the printer unit in advance in the MIB.
The value is compared with the number of prints (RP), and processing is performed according to the comparison result.

Here, if OPTMMAX ≦ RP, the process proceeds to step S10, but if OPTMMAX> RP, the process proceeds to step S9A, a warning message is displayed, and other processes connected to the system are performed in step S9B. The user is asked to select whether to reissue the print command to the printer or to continue processing. In that choice,
If the operator determines to use another printer, the process returns to step S1, and if the operator selects to continue the process, the process proceeds to step S10.

In step S10, it is checked whether the printer section is dynamically changing, for example, whether copying is being performed, whether a paper jam has occurred, and the like.

Here, if there is no recording paper in the cassette 204 or the cassette 205 of the printer unit 2, if it is predicted that the remaining number of recording papers in these cassettes is too small to process the number of prints, the print command is issued in the staple mode. Is detected and the output paper of the previous process remains in the tray of the sorter 220, or a state where the paper is jammed somewhere in the recording paper transport path of the printer unit is detected. Then, the process proceeds to step S11, indicating that the error has occurred, and prompting the operator to take an appropriate action (for example, replenish the recording paper, remove the recorded paper, or remove the jammed paper). Display a message. Then, the process proceeds to step S11A. The process waits until the event that hinders the printing operation is eliminated.
Then, when the event disappears, the process proceeds to step S12.

Also, based on the set number of copies input from the operation unit 115 and the like, it is determined that a large amount of image documents have been read from the reader unit 1 and a large number of copies are being executed. If so, the process proceeds to step S
The process advances to step 11B to display a message to that effect. Further, in step S11C, the user is prompted to select whether to reissue a print command to another printer or to continue processing. In the selection, if the operator determines to use another printer, the process returns to step S1, and if the operator selects to continue the process, the process proceeds to step S1.
Proceed to 2.

In step S 12, the created PDL data is transferred to the image processing apparatus 1000 via the network 100, and printing is performed using the printing unit 2.

Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, when a print command is input, the maximum number of prints (MAXP), the maximum allowable value (SMAXP), and the maximum (A)
P), the number of prints (RP) based on the print command, etc. are checked. If the maximum number of prints (MAXP) set when executing the print command is exceeded, the processing set in the system in advance is performed. Appropriate print output can be performed.

Prior to executing the print command, the printer checks the functions, capabilities, and operating conditions of the printer, and changes the print mode, requests the operator to make a judgment, or waits for the processing in response to these. Appropriate print output can be performed.

Even if the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), a device including one device (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine) Etc.).

Another object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and to provide a computer (or CPU) of the system or apparatus.
And MPU) read and execute the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instructions of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0067]

As described above, according to the present invention, the upper limit of the number of prints permitted to be printed by the printer is set for each user in a predetermined searchable storage medium, and printing is performed by a print command from the host. The operation when the new cumulative number of prints to be obtained exceeds the upper limit of the number of prints is defined as a first operation for continuing printing if the new cumulative number of prints does not exceed the predetermined allowable value. Is set in advance to determine whether or not to perform the second operation for interrupting the print operation. If printing is performed in accordance with a print command from the host and the new cumulative print number exceeds the print upper limit number, Since the above-described preset operation is controlled, the printing operation according to the predetermined desired operation is executed even if the number of sheets reaches the limit during printing. There is an effect that.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from ignoring the user's intention and, for example, unconditionally terminating the print, thereby improving the usability for the user.

[0069]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer system according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of a reader unit 1 and a printer unit 2;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a printer unit that performs recording according to an inkjet method.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a reader unit 1;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a core unit 10;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a print control process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Reader part 2 Printer part 3 Image input / output control part 4 Facsimile part 5 File part 6 Magneto-optical disk drive unit 7 Computer interface part 8 LISP formatter part 9 PS formatter part

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A printer system in which a host and a printer are connected to each other via a network, wherein a maximum number of prints permitted by the printer is set for each user in a searchable storage medium. (1) setting means, and the operation when the new cumulative print number obtained by printing according to the print command from the host exceeds the upper limit print number, and the operation when the new cumulative print number does not exceed a predetermined allowable value. A second setting unit that preliminarily selects and sets whether to perform the first operation to continue the printing or the second operation to interrupt the printing; and accepts a print command from the host. Means, when printing is performed in accordance with the print command received by the receiving means, the new cumulative print number is the print upper limit. When exceeding several, the printer system characterized by comprising a print control means for controlling so as to perform an operation set by said second setting means. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second setting unit performs a third operation of changing the print mode to a print mode in which the consumption of the recording medium is reduced and performing the print as one option. The printer system according to claim 1. 3. The print mode includes a mode in which an image to be printed on one page of a recording medium is reduced and a plurality of images are printed on one page of the recording medium. The printer system according to 1. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a verification unit configured to verify whether a function required when printing in accordance with the print command is a function provided by the printer. 2. The printer system according to 1. 5. According to a verification result by said verification means,
5. The printer system according to claim 4, further comprising changing means for automatically changing a print mode. 6. The printer system according to claim 5, wherein the change of the print mode includes a change from a double-sided printing instruction to a single-sided printing instruction for a recording medium. 7. The printer system according to claim 4, wherein the print control unit controls to suspend printing according to a result of the verification by the verification unit. 8. The printer system according to claim 1, wherein the searchable storage medium includes a database accessible from the host. 9. A print control method in a printer system in which a host and a printer are connected to each other via a network, the maximum number of prints permitted to be printed by the printer for each user in a searchable storage medium. A first setting step of setting a new cumulative print number obtained by printing according to a print command from the host when the new cumulative print number exceeds the upper limit number of prints. A second setting step of preliminarily selecting and setting whether to perform the first operation to continue the printing if it does not exceed the second operation or to perform the second operation to interrupt the printing; A receiving step of receiving a command, and when printing is performed in accordance with the print command received in the receiving step, the new accumulated printing is performed. If the number exceeds the printing upper limit number of sheets, printing control method, characterized by comprising a printing control step of controlling to perform set operation in the second setting step. 10. A computer-readable memory for storing a print control program to be executed in a printer system in which a host and a printer are connected to each other via a network. A code for executing a first setting process for setting a print upper limit number of prints permitted by the printer; and an operation when a new cumulative print number obtained by printing according to a print command from the host exceeds the print upper limit number. If the new cumulative number of prints does not exceed a predetermined allowable value, it is previously selected and set as a first operation for continuing the printing or a second operation for interrupting the printing. A code for executing a second setting process to be executed, and a code for executing a reception process for receiving a print command from the host. If printing is performed in accordance with the print command received in the receiving process and the new cumulative number of prints exceeds the upper limit of the number of prints, the operation set in the second setting process is performed. And a code for executing a process of controlling to perform the operation.